Calzaghe vs Hopkins

It's because of this view that we will never reach a compromise. It's the same argument the Wlad fanatics tout.

 

I think how you rate Calzaghes career depends on what you think of Brewer, Mitchell, Woodhall etc. No one disputes the Pudwells and McIntyres etc were total waste of time but I think Calzaghe beat enough decent fighters to be considered to have a reasonably good tenure as 168 champ. Not stand out or great but very decent. He was unquestionably the best fighter in his division for a large part of the last 10 years, I don't blame him for not going to Germany to fight Otkke to unify, that was a robbery waiting to happen.

 

Are you saying that he hasn't now unified or stamped his authority on the 168 division?

Or that he should have done it earlier?

If it's the second then it as least bears pointing out that Calzaghe is still younger than when Hopkins won his second title at Middleweight.

 

The later. Age is immaterial here. Hopkins career never blossomed until he was in his late 30`s and he was always in Jones shadow when they were both at 160. Plus he doesnt boast as much physical talent as Joe did bearing in mind Joes solid amatuer pedigree.

 

Theres no comparison. Hopkins actively seeked unification it's all he talked about after every fight. He just refused to sell his soul to Don King which is why he was forced to wait.

 

Hopkins was lucky he got caught up in Don kings "Trinidad Middleweight unification tourney". Hopkins didnt seek it out or make it happen...it was handed to him on a silver platter by King.

 

Thats horseballs & you know it. King had to have Hopkins in it because he held a belt. King honestly believed Trinidad would sweep Hopkins aside. Hopkins was widely regarded as the best middleweight in the world before the tournament. He did actively seek unification I suggest you do some research & listen to some post fight interviews.

 

Hopkins held the IBF since Jones left 160. He then beat Keith Holmes for the WBC. He then beat Tito who held the WBA.He upset all the odds that were stacked in Tito`s favor who was assumed to be the MAN at 160. Hop took him apart. Thats what GREAT fighters do. Meanwhile.. Joe was busy just making defences of the WBO. Theres no luck involved in any of that. Hopkins fought for what he wanted. There was much financial reward to gain aswell as a unification. Thats why the fight happened. The reality was no one apart from King gave a crap about his middleweight tourney.

 

Is that the best you can do? He doesn't need a cheer leader.

 

The way i see it is both Calzaghe and Hopkins have similar resumes and I have big respect for both. They are both in that elite club of being a 10+ year world champ.

Hopkins may have the higher profile wins but they were vs natural welterweights plus Calzaghe is undefeated...so it balances itself out for me.

 

they got it the wrong way round he beat kessler and destroyed lacy

 

Calzaghe wants to place himself as an elite fighter but while Hopkins & Jones were cementing legacies at 160 & 175 respectively Calzaghe was defending the WBO. Calzaghe had far more opportunities open to him than Hopkins did but never took them.

 

Are u forgetting Calzaghe is the younger fighter?

Hopkins wasnt cementing any legacy until he beat Tito at age 36!

 

Why do you keep bringing age into it? Joe has stated he may only have a year or two left in boxing.

 

Thats called opportunity.It didnt knock until he was 36.It says alot about Hopkins professionalism that despite being a natural light heavy he did so much roadwork that even in his late 30`s he was able to make 156. As iv said to already age here is completely immaterial.